Dear Neighbors,
The State Capitol continued to be busy with activity this week. It’s great to visit with community members, like these representatives of the North Metro Mayors Association.
Here is my legislative update for the week.
3M settlement
Attorney General Lori Swanson recently sued 3M and they negotiated an $850 million settlement for environmental damage in the east metro. This came from the production of Scotchgard and other materials causing dangerous chemicals (PFCs) to make their way into the east metro drinking water over the course of several decades.
Money from this settlement will pay for clean-up of the water and improve the area’s natural resources. Some legislators are already attempting to use the money for other things. The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on the settlement.
These funds must go toward protecting drinking water and keeping Minnesotans healthy, not whatever use the Legislature pleases. The Pioneer Press and MPR had stories including my thoughts.
Improving care for seniors
Media reports last fall highlighted a disturbing trend of elder abuse at Minnesota’s care facilities. They showed many seniors are victims of neglect, assault, theft, and other unspeakable acts at the hands of the very facilities we trust with our family members’ wellbeing. It also showed a lengthy backlog of complaints made to state officials with very few of them investigated.
House committees have begun discussing this topic. A report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor was released this week and a workgroup convened by AARP recently released their recommendations. Changes have already been made. With new leadership at the Department of Health, the backlog of complaints has virtually been eliminated.
I successfully authored legislation in 2009 to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation and maltreatment, and it increased penalties for such action. It also began the efforts to create a single hotline where reports of abuse can be made. Our seniors deserve to live with safety, security, and dignity. I’ll keep working to ensure they can in Minnesota.
Please continue to reach out with your ideas and input. Feel free to call or email me anytime.
Sincerely,
Debra Hilstrom
State Representative